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The Power of Play: How to Apply for Preschool in Canyons District

Call it a smart start for young upstarts.

Jumpstart your child’s education by participating in Canyons District’s preschool program. The application window for spots in Canyons’ tuition-based preschools in the 2022-2023 school year opens Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022.

Families with children who will be age 3 or 4 by Sept. 1, 2022 and who live within Canyons District’s boundaries can apply to participate in the first-come, first-served tuition-based preschool program via this link. Next year, CSD plans to have 16 preschool programs at seven schools throughout the District.

CSD preschools follow an evidence-based curriculum that lines up with the core standards. It may look like the children are just hopping, dancing, singing, coloring and laughing together, but studies have shown that structured play can hone a child’s language, math and social skills.

“You will see adults on the floor playing with them and supporting their learning,” said Terri Mitchell, Early Childhood Program Administrator. “So, our goal as adults, as we’re there playing with them, building a block structure, for example, we might be having conversations around what would one more look like? How can we make it taller? What would it look like if it fell over? Darn, it fell over, how can we make it more sturdy next time? So, we’re building vocabulary, we’re building language, we’re building cognitive support.”

While these basic interactions may seem simple, the impact is effective, Mitchell says, as students who complete the program meet state standards for literacy learning, numeracy learning and creativity in the arts. 

Canyons’ tuition preschool program for three and 4-year-olds provides 2.5 hours of instruction two or four days a week for students who live within District boundaries. Each classroom is taught by a teacher who is certified in both general education and special education. Classes include students who have special needs to provide unique opportunities for each student to learn and build relationships with classmates who have different abilities. Those opportunities are fundamental to preparing young children to interact with the world as they grow older, Mitchell says. 

“They develop a sense of empathy that we couldn’t teach otherwise,” Mitchell says. “They’re able to support and understand when there’s difficulty in the classroom with a student with a disability. I often see them holding hands with them. I often seem them saying, ‘It’s OK, it’s OK, we can make this work.’ They’re always there to help support and intervene.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

  • Morning sessions are 8:20-10:50 a.m.
  • Afternoon sessions are 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 
  • Students can enroll in a two- or four-days-a-week program
  • Children in special-education may be able to attend free of cost 
  • Cost is $100 per month for students attending two days per week and $200 a month for students attending four days. There’s also a one-time $20 registration fee

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Lucie Chamberlain

Alta View Elementary

If a movie about super teachers were ever made, Lucie Chamberlain would be a prime candidate for a leading role. Fortunately for her kindergarten students at Alta View Elementary, she already thrives in a supporting role for them. Parents thank her for being a “super teacher.” She is also described as an “amazing colleague.” Whether students need help in the classroom or from home while sick, Lucie goes above and beyond to help them learn, overcome fears, and feel important and cared for. Lucie is the reason a number of kids went from hating school to loving it, according to parents. The way she exudes patience, sweetness, positive energy, and love for her students with special needs melts is appreciated and admired. One parent noted: “Both my kids wish she could be their teacher forever.” Another added:  “She treats every student like their learning and their feelings are her priority.” Super teacher, indeed!

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